Merchants get hands on at IoBM Skills Challenge

The Practical Building Skills Challenge, in conjunction with the Builders Merchant Federation (BMF), took place on 17 February at Leeds College of Building. See how the day went in this new video!

With 10 teams from both independent and national merchant chains taking part, and new support from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), this year's skills challenge was the biggest and most successful to date.

Each team was pitted against the clock and each other to complete a number of building tasks across four different disciplines: block paving, constructing a stud wall, tiling and bricklaying. Their efforts were then judged by the college's teaching staff and the winners announced at the end of the day.

The winner of the 2016 Skills Challenge was Jewson’s Hull branch, showing a great level of competency in all of the application areas. Each of the winning team members received a trophy and a £75 voucher. Very close runners up this year were the team from Hevey Building Supplies, each of whom also received a trophy and a £50 voucher. In addition, everyone who participated received a free year's membership to the IoBM. All of the prizes were generously donated by the Worshipful Company of Builders' Merchants.

Glenn Paddison, Branch Director at MKM Building Supplies is the new Chair of the Builders’ Merchants Federation’s Young Merchant Group. He will be supported by Jo Callow, Merchant Sales Support Manager at Knauf Insulation, who was elected to replace Glenn as the Vice Chair.

John Newcomb, managing director of the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF), welcomed the 454 delegates to first day of the conference this morning. Over the next two days, the delegates will hear from a number of motivational, political and industry-focused speakers with a number of presentations all based around the theme of 'Building Momentum and Focus'.

Attracting young people into construction and new home quality are among the areas of focus to be discussed by industry experts at this year’s NHBC Building for tomorrow roadshows – ‘Future Skills, Future Standards, Future Quality.’